Optional Activities & Excursions Offered on Your Trip.

Have it your way and personalize your trip by adding fun, optional activities. These activities are not included in your land package price to allow free time for those who want to explore on their own. Rates have been specially negotiated with the suppliers and will include transportation to and from the event, if applicable. All options are based on a minimum number of travelers participating. Rates listed are approximate rates in US$ and are subject to change. Contact your tour director upon arrival overseas to book and pay for your options. Payment to tour director in cash in local currency.

Get to know Iceland’s most famous natural treasures, experience black beaches, glacier views, stunning coastlines, magnificent bird cliffs, delightful towns, incredible waterfalls, erupting geysers, tectonic plates and take a plunge into the healing mineral waters of the Blue Lagoon. Walk in the footsteps of your favorite Game of Thrones characters and take time to visit the striking wilderness chosen to represent the regions north of the Seven Kingdoms or journey to the dramatic gorge at Thingveillir – the stomping ground of the White Walkers and the Wildlings. Blame it on those long winter nights or perhaps the endless summer days, or the exceptional quality of locally produced beer and schnapps; Reykjavík’s legendary nightlife or "jammith" as the locals refer to it, has gained a reputation for being one of the hottest places to party in the world today!

Embark on your overnight journey to Iceland’s capital city.

Meals: In-flight

If arriving in the “Land of the Midnight Sun” on a group flight this morning, your expedition starts with a visit to the Blue Lagoon.* Find ultimate relaxation in the healing mineral waters, surrounded by lava fields and snow-capped mountains in this geothermal spa located just outside of Reykjavik. The facilities include modern changing rooms and showers, an indoor geothermal pool, a winter garden and a restaurant. Continue to Reykjavik with a short city sightseeing tour of the northernmost capital in the world. Your tour includes the old town center, the Parliament, Cathedral and much more. Afterwards check into your hotel. This evening, join a welcome orientation and cocktail with the tour director. Later on you are invited to a Reykjavik bar crawl.

Inclusions:

Welcome orientation

Reykjavik bar crawl

Meals: In-flight, Welcome cocktail

*Note: Travelers who book airfare with AESU will be met by their tour director in the arrivals hall. If booking your own flights, contact an AESU sales representative for meeting and transfer bus departure time.

The Golden Circle Tour is probably Iceland’s most popular day tour as it includes three of the best known attractions. The golden waterfall Gullfoss, is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. The Geyser area has numerous hot springs and geysers, including the famous Strokkur. Thingvellir is the site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament founded in 930 and the beautiful canyon running through the park is the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates. We return to Reykjavik for an evening at your leisure. Don’t miss out on Reykjavik’s legendary night life.

Inclusions:

Full day Golden Circle tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a free day to explore Reykjavik or opt to join a tour to the south shore. Pass through the fertile farming lands and villages of south Iceland, rich in Viking history and heritage and a view of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla volcanoes. Take a walk behind the splendid wall of water of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, then hike on the ancient ice of Sólheimajökull glacier with a professional certified guide. Afterwards take a leisurely stroll along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara with its famous basalt columns and caverns. See the Reynisdrangar cliffs; basalt rock stacks that rise from the sea. Icelandic legends say that they are naughty trolls turned into rock by the rising sun. This great sightseeing tour ends with a stop at the Skógafoss waterfall. Walk up to the thundering waterfall for a bird’s eye view of the tumbling water and rainbows. At tonight’s farewell fish ‘n chips farewell dinner plan your next adventure with new-found friends.

Inclusions:

Farewell fish 'n chips dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Reluctantly we say farewell to Iceland. Jet home with thoughts of your next adventure.

Laugaveger
The Laugaveger neighborhood will expose you to the best of Iceland’s shops and boutiques. Wander these streets to find quirky souvenirs and tons of Scandinavian design. The main street also offers unique bars and restaurants to stop in and grab lunch or a pint of Borg beer.

Harpa Concert Hall
The Harpa Concert Hall is a triumph of the modern architectural design Iceland is known for. The exterior façade was made to mimic the dancing colors of the northern lights. Purchase tickets and see a concert or head inside to admire the interior and eat a modern take on traditional Icelandic food at the restaurant.

Sægreifinn
The name of this restaurant translates to ‘The Sea Baron.’ If you’re looking for a delicious way to experience Icelandic cuisine, this is your restaurant. Sægreifinn offers Icelandic fish dishes and it is famous for its fish soups. The no frills approach to good food will leave you with a full stomach and quench your thirst for an authentic culinary experience.

Arbaer Open Air Museum
This museum offers a window into the lives of Iceland’s original inhabitants. Learn about the hardships faced by the first settlers while you wander through the replicated, traditional Icelandic homes and government buildings.

Hallgrimskirkja
This church is an example of Iceland’s modern architectural style. Its location in the middle of the city makes it easy to visit. The interior is breathtaking and the views from the top of the tower are the best in the city.

Blue Lagoon Spa
The Blue Lagoon is located just outside of Reykjavik. Iceland is famous for its hot springs and geysers and the Blue Lagoon allows you to see this extraordinary geothermal activity first-hand. Visit and soak in the natural spring heated pools. The warm water and mineral deposits will leave you and your skin feeling relaxed and refreshed.

National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland hosts information on the most important moments of Iceland’s history. This Museum is a great stop on a rainy afternoon and you will learn about the history of Iceland, from its Viking beginnings to today.

The best way to see the Europe is by private deluxe motor coach. Door-to-door service with all the spectacular scenery in between. Our modern fleet of Mercedes, Volvos (or comparable) coaches for continental Europe are air- conditioned for your comfort. Enjoy deep-cushioned reclining lounge chairs, wide panoramic picture windows and a built-in stereophonic sound system. Our drivers are picked for their experience, skill, dependability and personality. Travelers to other exotic destinations enjoy modern mini vans or motor coaches for the transfers between each location while safari guests are transported in 4 x 4 land cruisers.

Many programs also include the fun of travel by ship from Italy to Greece or along the Rhine River, sleek trains or cable cars, private sailing yachts in the Greek Isles, bicycles in Holland, and jeeps in Dubai, just for the fun of it.

Special Destination Tours
The majority of transportation on other programs is also by private deluxe motor coach unless stated otherwise in the respective itinerary ( i.e.: mini vans in Costa Rica). Please see each tour page for exact details.

Luxury motor coach for European tours
Enjoy your journey with a professional driver at the wheel. Enjoy the scenery and view mountains and valleys, cities and villages through panoramic windows. Our luxury, air-conditioned motor coaches provide you with stylish and comfortable seats.

Eurostar train and high-speed intercity trains
Eurostar is the high-speed rail service directly linking the UK to France via the Channel Tunnel. It started operating in 1994, providing city center to city center services. Eurostar departs from London's St. Pancras Station. Fast journey times London-Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes. Journey from Paris to Nice on a TGV high-speed train in just over 5 hours. Enjoy air-conditioning and modern seats as you pass through the French countryside at up to 200 miles per hour. Other intercity trains in Europe travel at speeds of up to 125 mph featuring individual seating or in groups of four sharing a table.Travel by rail in Europe is efficient and fun.

Overnight cruise Italy – Greece
Greek ferries are used to travel from southern Italy to Greece. Departures are from Bari and Brindisi, Italy. Normal accommodations are 4-share on all vessels. Sea travel is fun and ships have amenities to make certain that you have a great time starting the moment you step on board including swimming pools, discos, bars and casinos.

Dubai land cruisers & coaches
Desert Safari includes off- road driving in the Dubai desert. The drivers are qualified to operate the 4x4 vehicles in the desert. These cars are air-conditioned and safety features include seat belts and roll bars. Six passengers can be carried per vehicle plus the driver. Off-road driving can be rather bumpy and is often compared to roller-coaster rides. Advise your tour director accordingly if you do not wish to participate in the dune bashing. Ground transportation for the city tour and city transfers are by luxury air-conditioned motor coach. Dinner cruise by Arabian ‘dhow.'

Central America & other exotic destinations - mini vans
Traveling by bus is one of the best ways to get around in these locations. Depending on group size, you will travel by mini-van or motor coach. Both are comfortable and safe means of transportation with local expert drivers. All vehicles are air-conditioned.

What to do during your free time? For more details or current local events talk to your tour director or your local city guide. They are always the best source for free-time activities and offer great tips on restaurants or local hang-outs.

All

Meals

Traveling on this trip will introduce you to some native cuisine, including local specialties.

Hotels

We stay in superior tourist class hotels, all with private bath/shower in 2-share rooms. Our hotels have been specially selected for their European atmosphere, friendly hospitality, and cleanliness. Our hotels are centrally located or within a short walk of public transportation to take you to the landmark of your choice in the city you are visiting. (Why stay in remote cabins, hostels, or share your room with up to 6 people, when you can stay in a centrally located hotel?)

You'll be given a complete hotel address list with your final documents. Properties are subject to change and any substitutions would be the equivalent of those listed. *Single supplement only applies if single accommodations are requested. Independent hotel reservations, special tours and FIT tours always apply a single supplement. Please check your itinerary.

If you purchase your own airfare, book your overnight flight from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date listed above.

* Price per person based on a twin share room. If you're traveling alone, AESU will attempt to arrange for you to share a twin at NO EXTRA COST. If you prefer a single room, a single supplement of $595 will apply.

AIRFARE

Gateway Cities

Fly into Reykjavik return from Reykjavik

Airfare is not included in land price. If you choose to book air with AESU, after receipt of your land booking, AESU will email you a quote with your tour confirmation invoice. You will have 72 hours to accept or decline airfare. (Or call AESU at 800-638-7640 for a quote prior to booking).

Book Airfare with AESU - FREE Airport Transfer

Purchase your airfare from AESU and receive free arrival/departure transfers from the airport to your hotel. We also try to book you on the same flights as others traveling on your tour. Land only participants BOOKING OWN FLIGHT OVERSEAS, DO NOT receive airport arrival/departure transfers. If you book land only with us, book your flights from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date.

You can make your $500 deposit ONLINE to confirm your space on the land tour. Full payment isn't due until 90 days before departure, and you or friends and family can make partial payments after you've booked (See NOTE below if within 90 days). Or you can scan/email or fax a booking form.

If you just want a quote and don’t want to secure a spot on the land program, select date above and click "Get a Quote" button on next page.

NOTE: Reservations to be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. Reservations received after this date are subject to availability and any airfare quote can only be held for 72 hours. Payment in full, for late reservations, will be due upon receipt of invoice from AESU. A late booking fee of $100 per person will apply.

All prices reflect a cash discount (For full payment by credit card, there is a 4% processing fee.)

PAYMENT PLAN: pay a little at a time and make your trip more affordable.

After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay your balance in as many installments as you like, with a minimum of $100 for each transaction with no fee. Please indicate booking number on your check payment. If you prefer to pay installments by credit card, please call us at 800-638-7640 for details. (All prices reflect a cash discount. There is a 4% processing fee for any payments made by credit card after initial deposit.) The total tour cost (land, and air if applicable) must be paid in full at least 90 days before departure.

INSURANCE: An application for trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance will be sent to you by the ECU Alumni Association once you are registered for the tour. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Contact Megan Howard 252-328-5557 or howardme14@ecu.edu for further information. ECU insurance web site: http://ecu.meyerandassoc.com.

Is This Trip Right for You?

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You have chosen to amend the arrival and/or departure date of the selected tour program. As a result, you will need to arrange additional accommodations and/or transfers service which may be done via Gate 1 Travel, where available, or independently.